The Code Blue Warming Center, located at 917 Washington St. in Jamestown. Photo by Owen Reed

The Code Blue system is set to begin its third season in Jamestown beginning Saturday, Nov. 1.

The system ensures that unhoused community members will have a safe and warm location to go to on nights when the weather is too cold, and a code blue alert is issued.

The Code Blue Warmer Center was initially conceptualized in 2022, and resulted from local coordinators recognizing the need for a safe emergency shelter option. The center is operated by Recovery Options Made Easy Inc. ROME approached the Department of Social Services about the urgent need for the shelter, and the center was able to begin operating shortly after at 917 Washington St. Due to this development, Code Blue has been able to provide warm and safe temporary shelters that have saved people from tragedy on many cold nights.

Code Blue emergency housing can only be accessed on nights when code blue has been declared for the area. Community residents can keep up to date with the alerts by signing up for the free alert system, operated by 211 WNY. This alert system allows any community residents to sign up for updates by texting CODEBLUECHQ to 898211, and see whenever code blue emergency shelters are available in the area. This ensures anyone that may potentially need to take advantage of these services will have a timely notice to allow them to seek out emergency shelter.

Amanda Straight, Chautauqua Opportunities Director of Housing and Community Development, said that on nights a Code Blue emergency has been declared, families and individuals in need of care will be welcomed regardless of if they meet the qualifications for temporary housing assistance typically. This extends protections even to those that may have a shelter that is not adequately weather-proofed or offering heat. Straight noted that provided housing is typically limited to select locations. These locations include the warming center, shelters approved through the program, and certain participating hotels. While guests are free to stay throughout the night, it is encouraged to check with different locations for the necessary check-out time, with Straight noting that there is a preset time that guests must check-out by.

Typically, these requests for Code Blue housing are processed by DSS, yet this may cause issues for those seeking shelter outside of DSS hours of operation. Systems have been put in place to ensure that vulnerable populations can still receive the care that they need at any time of day, said Straight. According to Straight, anyone in need of Code Blue housing outside of business hours may report to the ROME warming center. The center will either provide shelter themselves or refer the individuals to another location with available space if necessary. Straight also noted that authorized Code Blue providers may issue nightly housing referrals under Code Blue for those that need it. A full list of authorized providers can be found at https://chautauquacountyny.gov/CodeBlue?utm_source=chatgpt.com.

For those that may need to seek temporary shelter during the day, daytime shelters also remain in operation throughout the county. Straight noted that a full list of available daytime centers is available through the website for the Department of Mental Hygiene and DSS. Straight recommended that people taking advantage of the Code Blue system report to the DSS office, with locations in both Jamestown and Dunkirk. Straight stated that many utilizing this system may qualify for temporary housing assistance. Should somebody qualify for this service, more stable emergency housing can be provided and emotional support can be given from the case management team, said Straight.

Anybody seeking Code Blue shelter should report to DSS offices to seek further information. Outside of regular hours those in need should contact the nearest police department, county sheriffs office, or a certified Code Blue housing provider. Community members are also encouraged to contact housing providers if they wish aid in the assistance programs in any way. For more information go to chautauquacountyny.gov/social-services/news/code-blue-warning-issued?utm_source=chatgpt.com.